Mathieu Debuchy came together with James Husband in the box (Getty)

Arsenal’s players privately admitted Mathieu Debuchy gave away a penalty in their 2-1 victory over Norwich in the EFL Cup.

The Gunners advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, with substitute Eddie Nketiah scoring an equaliser in the 85th minute before getting the winner in extra-time.

But it could well have been the Championship outfit progressing had the referee awarded a penalty deep into extra- time.

Debuchy looked to have fouled James Husband in the box when the Frenchman put his arm across the Norwich player.

However referee Andy Madley waved it away and Arsenal held on for the victory.

It appeared to be a clear penalty (Getty)

Norwich manager Daniel Farke has revealed that the Arsenal players spoke to him after the match and admitted it should have been a penalty.

‘All the Arsenal players told me after the game “sorry, but it was a clear penalty”. I think that says everything about the situation,’ Farke told BBC Radio Norfolk.

‘It’s really hard to accept to have lost today, but sometimes in football you have to accept that you don’t get what you deserve.

‘This night 100% we are really sad and disappointed, but we can be proud of this performance and if we go on with this attitude we will have some big nights and some big parties during this year for sure.’

Teenager Eddie Nketiah scored the goals in what was his home debut (Getty)

Farke revealed that his players were bitterly disappointed to lose at the Emirates, so much so some were crying.

‘The guys are in the dressing room pretty disappointed and pretty sad. Some of them have tears in their eyes.’

MORE : Arsenal Supporters’ Trust make Stan Kroenke demand after claiming the American reneged on agreement

MORE : Eddie Nketiah thanks Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after scoring double v Norwich